Take the Fall (Take the Fall, #1)(51)

Seth slides his hand over mine, and I grip it tightly as my brother concentrates on my tattoo.

“About my car,” Seth begins and I glance over at him. Sweat dots my forehead.

“What about your truck?”

Seth gives me a pointed look. “You know I’m talking about Tony Johnson’s ride. The one you restored.”

“I bought that car fair and square,” I bite out. The needles have hit a particularly sensitive spot and it hurts like hell.

“Wasn’t yours to buy,” Jase says.

“Shut up and concentrate,” I snap.

The two of them laugh. “Assholes,” I growl.

“Oh, baby. I love it when you talk so sweet,” Seth says, brushing my hair back from my forehead. He wipes my brow with a damp cloth. God, it feels good. “Now, about that car.”

“You couldn’t handle that much power.”

Jase stops inking me. “Rowan, if you don’t give the man his car, I’ll tattoo Property of Seth O’Connor on your ass.”

“Like you could turn me over.” I lock my body into place and glare at him.

“She’s got a point, because, dude, I’d kill you if you touched her like that,” Seth says and I melt at his rough words.

“Besides, I’d like it better here.” He runs a hand across my collarbone. “Where everyone can see it.”

“Motherfu—”

Seth busts out laughing and I relax onto the table with a huff. “Men.”

“Seriously, Rowan. Just admit it’s mine. You don’t have to give it to me. I prefer my truck.”

Jase and I stare at him in horror. “You prefer a truck over that sweet ride?” Jase asks.

Seth shrugs. “What can I say? This is who I am.” He breaks out in song, singing a line from a country song that I don’t know.

“He’s turned into a redneck.”

“I think I’m going to puke.”

“I’m a country boy, not a redneck.”

I roll my eyes. The needles start back up again, but I’m beyond feeling those. I still can’t get over Seth’s admission. “You grew up in town. You live in town with me. Hell, Forrestville is practically a city. That makes you a city boy.”

He leans over me, framing my face in his hands. A tender smile covers his face. “No, that makes me yours.”

“Done,” Jase announces, and Seth kisses me briefly before sitting back down in his chair.

“Looks good, Ro,” Seth says, nodding his head. He rubs the side of his thumb along his bottom lip. “When can I touch that?”

Jase squirts some gel onto a clean piece of gauze and rubs it over my tattoo. The initial burn gives way to cool relief. “Never, but since when does Rowan listen to me?”

Sitting up, I punch Jase in the shoulder. “He meant the tattoo, you overbearing ass.”

“I know.” My brother winks at me. Lately, it seems like he’s getting his life back together. The tattoo shop is doing well and he’s quickly building a steady base of loyal clients. He’s gained some weight, though all of it is muscle.

I think being in prison made him work out even harder. Or maybe it’s his way to exorcise the demons he lives with.

“Give it a couple of days, keep an eye on it, and after you shower, pat it dry. If something goes wrong, like discoloration or swelling beyond that time, go to the ER. Call me, too. I use the best equipment but shit happens,” he says, grabbing his phone. “Mind if I take a pic for our wall?”

Seth glances around the room. “I really don’t like the thought of Rowan up there with—”

“Facebook wall and Instagram,” Jase replies.

I nod. “Go for it.”

After he’s done, I hop off the table and head to the front to pay my bill. “No charge,” Jase says as he takes off his gloves and throws them in a marked trash bin.

“You should at least let me pay—”

“I figure the next seven years are comp for you, but after that, it’s full price.” His blue eyes are bright. He glances at the counter and grimaces. “But you could help a brother out by recommending someone to manage this place. I need someone to work the front desk and do bookkeeping.”

Seth grabs my hand as I say, “I’ll think about it.” Piper needs a job. She would be perfect for Jase…for his shop. “In fact, I have someone in mind. Let me talk to them and I’ll get back to you.”

“Thanks. Let whoever it is know that the hours are flexible.”

After saying good-bye, we walk outside. Seth stops me before we climb inside his truck. “I saw that look in your eyes. The answer is no.”

“But you always say yes to me.” I nip at his bottom lip. “Like last night when you—”

Seth grabs my shoulders. “I love you, but if you love Piper, you will not tell her about this job.”

“She needs one. Her parents have completely cut her off.”

“Rowan,” he says in that warning tone that I love.

“Trust me, okay? I might know what I’m doing.”

His expression softens and he pulls me into his arms. “I trust you. I love you, Rowan Patricia Simmons. You’re my life. You’re my everything. The sexiest damn compass that guides my life.”